The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) is charged with protecting the welfare of children throughout the state. If the DCP&P contacts you in Monmouth County, NJ, you need to treat the situation very seriously. The statements you make and your conduct going forward could have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. The first step you should take is to contact an experienced child custody lawyer.

At The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC, our lawyers have over two decades of combined experience in family law. Our extensive experience and resources equip our legal team to navigate the most complex family court cases, including cases brought by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. 

Contact our Monmouth County DCP&P investigation lawyers at (732) 747-1882 today for a free consultation to get started.

How The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC Can Help You With Your DCP&P Case in New Jersey

Being investigated by the DCP&P can be stressful, frightening, and overwhelming. In many situations, the agency reacts with strong-arm tactics in the name of protecting the child. As a result, you may lose your parental rights without fully understanding what is happening.

Hiring an experienced DCP&P attorney is the best way to protect you and your child. When you hire our top-rated Monmouth County child custody lawyers, you can trust that we will:

• Explain the DCP&P investigation process and what you can expect
• Determine why you are subject to an investigation by child services
• Analyze the evidence that the DCP&P claims to have against you
• Hire investigators, child psychologists, and other leading experts as necessary to assist with your case
• Develop a solid case arguing against child removal based on the evidence in the case
• Aggressively advocate for the return of your children if they are taken into custody.
• Advocate for you and your children during each step of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency investigation

Get in touch with us today in Monmouth County, New Jersey, for more information. Our DCP&P attorneys in New Jersey will work hard on your behalf from start to finish.

What Does the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency Do?

The DCP&P’s mission is to assist all New Jersey residents, including children, to live safe and healthy lives. The DCP&P is responsible for investigating allegations of neglect and abuse against children.

The DCP&P can take steps to protect a child until a court can determine what is in the child’s best interest (i.e., remove the child from the home). The Division of Child Protection and Permanency also assists parents and families in obtaining treatment to address harmful situations and issues so they can reunite as a family.

How Does the Division of Child Protection and Permanency Conduct an Investigation?

Generally, when the DCP&P receives a report of child abuse, it assigns an investigator or case worker to handle the case. The case worker visits the child’s home to check on the child and begin the investigation. They gather information by interviewing household members.

The investigator must see all children living in the home, including the child subject to the investigation. If a parent refuses to allow a caseworker to enter the home or speak with the child, the caseworker may contact the police or the court for assistance.

The investigator concludes the home visit and moves forward with the investigation. They may interview people in the child’s life, including daycare workers, teachers, coaches, family members, and more. They may also speak with people like neighbors and clergy members.

The caseworker issues a report once the investigation is completed. The report is sent to the parents. If the DCP&P believes your child is safe and there is no evidence to support the allegations, the report is concluded as unfounded.

However, suppose the investigator finds evidence of neglect or abuse. In that case, the DCP&P report explains that the allegations are substantiated by evidence that the child was harmed or placed at substantial risk of harm. In that case, action will be taken to protect the child, which may include court actions to remove the child from the home.

Can the DCP&P Remove My Child Immediately From My Home?

Typically, the removal of a child occurs after a DCP&P investigation and court proceedings. However, if the DCP&P caseworker determines that abuse or neglect has occurred and the child is in imminent danger, they can remove the child from the home without obtaining a court order. The court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the child should remain in DCP&P custody or return home.

It is crucial that you hire an experienced family law attorney immediately. An attorney can determine if the finding of imminent danger is warranted or if the DCP&P acted without justification.

Your lawyer can fight to help you get your child back when they were wrongfully removed from your home. If there is evidence of abuse or neglect, a family law attorney can help you develop a plan to reunite your family. Your attorney can negotiate a reunification plan, which may include regular visitation with your child, family counseling, and individual therapy.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency Investigation Attorneys in Monmouth County

You do not have to face a DCP&P investigation alone. Parents have the right to hire an attorney to represent them during the investigation. If you have questions about a New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency investigation, call The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC, to schedule a free consultation with our Monmouth County DCP&P investigation attorneys.